Vasculitis is a family of 15 rare autoimmune diseases* that can affect people of all ages, whose cause is unknown.

Vasculitis means inflammation of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries), which if left untreated can lead to organ and tissue damage and in some cases death.

The Oxford Vasculitis Support Group was set up in 2004 by two women who have Wegeners Granulomatosis, to provide guidance and understanding to those who are newly diagnosed, their families and their friends. The group also supports those who have had vasculitis for some time, but never been in contact with others with this rare disease. The group helps people to feel less isolated and is a way of sharing information and support.

Sue Ashdown of the group said that they ‘meet in relaxed and friendly surroundings every 3 months or so, but are always available to talk to people on the phone or to be in contact via e-mail’. Oxford Vasculitis Support Group also organise an annual seminar in Oxford to discuss developments. Ashdown said: ‘this year we had an excellent talk by a Renal Doctor, from the Churchill Hospital, on how the Kidneys can be affected by Vasculitis’.

The group links up with other support groups around the country, putting people in contact with others in their local area. Volunteers, who are patients or family members, run the groups. They also link in with the Vasculitis Foundation, a US charity, who are doing a lot to raise awareness and raise funds for Research.

The raising of awareness of the Vasculitis family of diseases is critical if people are going to be diagnosed early with these conditions, so that treatment (a range of medications aimed at suppressing the immune system, including chemotherapy and steroids) can be started promptly, reducing its damaging effects. The knowledge of these diseases is greater among doctors than it was 15-20 years ago, but because the presenting symptoms can be so varied, it is often some time before a diagnosis is made.

Fundraising has an important role as it enables Research Projects to be funded: into understanding the causes of Vasculitis, to investigate more effective treatments and ultimately work towards finding a cure for Vasculitis.

If you are concerned about vasculitis, and would like some information or assistance from the Oxfordshire Vasculitis Support Group, please contact Sue Ashdown on 01295 816841 or at oxonvsg@hotmail.com.

More information about Vasculitis can be found at www.VasculitisFoundation.org

*includes Wegeners Granulomatosis, Churg Strauss Syndrome and Polyarteritis Nodosa